afghan snowfinch Pyrgilauda theresae

Nondescript small bird restricted to the Hindu Kush mountains of north-central Afghanistan, where it inhabits open rocky slopes, valleys, mountaintops, and plateaus. Occasionally descends to lower elevations in the winter, even straying into adjacent regions of Central Asia. Dull brown overall, with a paler belly, faintly streaked back, flashing white wing patches, and white corners to the tail. Male has a solid black chin and larger wing patches. Gathers in flocks outside of breeding season. Calls are little-known, but reportedly include a sharp alarm call and a fast “zigzig.”